National Picnic Week: Our Top 5 Picnic Spots Around Manchester

What's not to love about a picnic? Just the word conjures up pictures of tall grass and gingham blankets, and just because we're in the city doesn't mean we should miss out. There are plenty of beautiful spaces to kick off your shoes and rest the day away with good food and good people around Manchester.

Here's our run down of the best picnic spots around Manchester:

1. WYTHENSHAW PARK

As well as it's pretty woodland walks and open spaces, Wythenshaw Park also hosts a community farm, childrens play park and a number of sports and activities for all ages. But my favourite thing about this spot is its collection of Greenhouse turned display houses which are each home to their own themed gardens including a Safari garden which boasts tropical plants such as Banana and Pineapple, and an impressive Cacti house that makes for great instagramming!

2. HEATON PARK

I'm pretty sure most of you will have ventured to Heaton Park at some point, so I don't know really need to sell it! Owing to it's large (relatively flat) open spaces and close proximity to the city centre Heaton Park is well known for hosting it's fare share of events and holiday celebrations - in short, Heaton is a party park! Certainly kid friendly, but expect to see a few denim clad sunbathers on your way around.

Pitch a spot in full sun by the water front and take-out something fun and fruity like our iced Watermelon and Mint Lemonade, you might just feel 15 again.

3. BOGGART HOLE CLOUGH

Isn't the name enough to get you there?! You wouldn't be blamed for thinking a Labrynth Character might meet you at the gate.Boggart Hole Clough (aka. Blackley Clough) is a great escape spot though, stick to the path and walk along with boating lake or stray a little to find twists and turns and peaks and dips, high trees and low shrubs. You can easily spend the whole day here exploring and foraging.

Take a hammock if you have one, if not go for the natural feel and find a seat in the twigs with a take-out Stone Aged Flatbread and chilled herbal tea.

4. LYMM DAMN

Not to be mistaken with Lyme Park, Lymm Damn is a favourite spot for locals but if you don't live in the surrounding areas you might not know about this gem. Offering smaller walks than other parks in this list, this is another spot you can drag the kids along to and whether they're tiny tots or teenagers with no cause for nature they'll manage the walk. It's low key, casual and the kind of place you can give a nod and a polite 'hello' to people as they pass by without getting a questioning glance in return - which I'm a fan of.

Dress comfortably, jeans and wellies will do, and stretch your legs out on the sandy mounds (which have been there forever but I have no idea why or what for - you'll know them when you see them) with an arsenal of take-out sandwiches and salad... and more dino cookies.

5. FLETCHER MOSS BOTANICAL GARDENS

Did I leave the best 'til last? It's too hard to say, I love all the places on this list, but for sure Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens offer as perfect a picnic spot as ever. This park was gifted to the council in 1915 by Aldred Fletcher Moss and still boasts lots of it's original beauty. Pair this with the wildlife and you'll quickly feel the sensation of time passed here. It's long stretches and romantic falling flowers make for a great day date, if you're so lucky.

Pack a take-out Hearty Scone with Clotted Cream and Jam (or two?) and let us fill up your flask with a Jasmine Tea and let the magic happen.

So there are our Top 5 Manchester Picnic Spots, something for everyone, and with the days getting a little longer you might even be able to visit them all for National Picnic Week. We can dream right? Grab yourself a CATM Take Out and tag us in your picnic pics!